What we do
Service
There are good reasons why you should make sure your vehicle is serviced at the right intervals and while it is an expense none of us want when our vehicles are running OK it is a wise investment and almost always cheaper in the long run.
Safety
Whichever level of service is due our engineers carry out an inspection of all the critical systems on the vehicle including brakes, suspension, tyres, exhaust and fuel system. Anything that might be deteriorating and could become dangerous will be reported so that we can work together to deal with any problems in good time.
Longevity
Carrying out proper servicing will make your car last longer. We have customers that drive astonishing distances 400,000, 500,000 and even 650,000 miles and their vehicles are still going strong. All of them make sure they have their vehicles serviced regularly.
Value
We all know that one of the key items a car buyer is going to look for is service history and preferably full service history (FSH). It gives them confidence that the car has been looked after and not only will that support a higher asking price but it will appeal to more buyers meaning the sale will go through quickly.
Repair
An engine light has come on, your car has lost power, developed a knocking noise or a leak overnight.
Maybe you have broken down at the side of the road.
We understand your repair can become urgent for whatever reason.
Sometimes there is the luxury of time.
We'll do our best to keep your car running or get you back on the road as quickly as possible, always putting safety first.
Your vehicle can be collected if it is not driveable.
You can trust us to only carry out repairs that are really required.
According to your needs, we only use original manufacturer quality parts, will source new, used, or reconditioned at competitive rates, or repair a part rather than renew it in order to provide an economical fix.​
So whatever the problem - engine, gearbox, clutch, brakes, suspension,
electrical, bodywork – we can help.
And remember, you will always enjoy good old fashioned customer service values as well as competitive and transparent pricing – no hidden fees.
Restoration
Having custody of your cherished classic so that we may return it to its former glory is, we know, a privilege and a responsibility we take seriously. The process of restoration is a collaborative one and we work closely with our customers to make sure that the result they expect is achieved.
We can bring your classic up to a show winning concourse condition, a great show car or safe, presentable and reliable depending on your requirements and budget.
There is nothing quite so rewarding as owning and driving a restored classic car especially if it has a place in your heart.
MOT
We could just say that if your vehicle is three years old then it is the law that it must pass an MoT each year. While this is true, we should say that the purpose of the MoT test is to make sure that our vehicles are safe to drive on the road.
As an MoT test station we have to work within strict guidelines set out by the DVSA which tell us what items to check and how to check them. We do our best to get our customer’s cars through the test successfully and will top up fluids or change bulbs if that is what’s needed.
If a vehicle is over 40 years old it may be exempt from the MoT test although we would still recommend having it tested. It is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to demonstrate that the vehicle is safe and roadworthy.
To ensure you never miss your car's MoT due date register with our reminder service.
Inspections and Checks
Pre Purchase check
Seasonal checks
Vehicle health check
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Collection and Delivery
We work alongside a number of experienced, specialist car transport companies and can arrange transport of your cars to our workshops from your home. The teams we work with will all treat your car with the care you would expect.
Veteran, Vintage and Classic
The generally accepted definitions in the UK for Veteran is pre 1905 and Vintage are generally between 1905 and 1930.
In the UK if your car is 40 years old on the 1st January it is eligible for classic car tax exemption – although you can’t apply until April in that year so technically the cut off is 40 years and 3 months.
But many would argue that there are cars built less han 40 years ago that are undisputed ‘classics’.
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Is there a more workable definition?
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs see 'classic' as any car that is worth £15,000 or more, and is aged
15 years or older. The BMW pictured above would easily fit into this definition. This combination of price and
age is the closest we have to a metric of desirability – if a fifteen-year-old car commands a price of £15,000,
it’s probably something pretty interesting.
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In conclusion, there’s no rhyme or reason to what ‘classic’ means in everyday parlance. For us, the defining feature
of a classic car is personality. And just to add to the confusion - if somebody tells you a car is a classic and
you think that they’re wrong, remember that eventually, they’ll almost certainly become right!
However you define your classic car I know that you cherish it and will want it to be serviced, repaired or restored by someone with classic values who respects that. It’s no less than you and your prized possession deserves.
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Modern
Since 1996 cars have been fitted with central monitoring of the various sensors of the emissions control systems.
These systems have enabled modern vehicles to achieve some extraordinary fuel economy figures.
The challenge, however, is when they go wrong. The systems are accessed through an onboard diagnostics port (OBD) which requires a computer based diagnostics reader device. The theory is that this port provides a standard point for data collection. The reality is, however, that each manufacturer has a slightly different way of presenting their data which means that the technician requires a number of these diagnostic tools.
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We have invested in the technology and training to be able to interrogate and diagnose a wide range of modern vehicles.
So whatever care your car needs – diagnosis of a fault, a routine service, a repair or an MOT,
you can be assured your car is in expert hands with us.
Treasured
A car that's not really in the classic category and can no longer be described as modern. If a car is important to the owner for whatever reason we will do what we can to keep it on the road even if on paper it's beyond economic repair. Sometimes a car is treasured just because of it's history in the family.
Not Just Cars
We do a lot of work on camper vans and commercial vehicles and have also worked on motor bikes, caravans and a cement mixer. If it has an engine, and it's important to you contact us and we'll see if we can help.